Hearts & Minds is the home of the Clowndoctors and the Elderflowers
The Clowndoctors and Elderflowers are therapeutic clowns that go to hospitals, hospices, and schools for children with complex needs, visiting children, young people and older adults who live with dementia.
Our visits encourage fun, smiles and laughter as well as encouraging communication, connection and social engagement to benefit mental health, emotional health and wellbeing.
Therapeutic clowning is an internationally recognised performing arts-in-health practice. We are members of the European Federation of Healthcare Clown Organisations (EFHCO)
We champion Scotland’s Play Charter. We use clowning to provide inclusive, participatory play that is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, poverty or other circumstances, whatever their abilities or disabilities or how they communicate.
We support that Children and young people have the right to play under Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
In 2024 Hearts & Minds are celebrating 25 years of the Clowndoctors
We’ve got lots of things planned to mark the occasion, and we’ll keep you updated with all of it. In the meantime we’d love to hear from you, stories of visits with the Clowndoctors, ideas for events, or fundraising opportunities. Get in touch at [email protected] or on social media.
One of the best ways to support Hearts & Minds in the 25th year of our Clowndoctor program is to –
Who are the Clowndoctors?
They wear yellow coats and red noses and are ready to play….
Who are the Elderflowers?
The Elderflower family visit people in care and living with dementia.
